Hua Yan slumped back into her seat, initially glancing around casually, but suddenly she sensed something was off.
At that moment, the disciple fighting on stage was none other than Mu Xuelang, the top disciple of Qingcheng Sect. Normally, as long as his opponent wasn’t Lu Chengsha, he could easily win against anyone else. But now, he didn’t seem at ease at all.
Sweat was already beading on Mu Xuelang’s forehead, and his Huaxue Sword no longer seemed as formidable; instead, he looked somewhat strained.
His opponent was dressed in a bright red robe, with a red silk ribbon covering his brow, making it hard to tell which sect he belonged to. He wielded a nine-ringed broadsword with one hand, attacking Mu Xuelang with reckless abandon.
The red ribboned man’s attacks were swift and seemingly random, yet each strike landed precisely on the weakest points of Mu Xuelang’s sword techniques.
Upon closer inspection, Hua Yan noticed that the red ribboned man’s lips were curved into a smile. His features were quite handsome, and if it weren’t for his thin lips, he would appear to be a sincere young man. But with the red ribbon, he exuded an aggressive aura.
In reality, he seemed to have abandoned all defense, focusing solely on attacking.
Qingcheng Sect’s martial arts emphasize stability. Unless an opponent can break through their defense, they cannot inflict significant damage and will be countered, just like when Zuo Jingshuang fought Mu Xuelang.
Although Zuo Jingshuang’s swordsmanship had reached a decent level, it wasn’t sharp enough to break Mu Xuelang’s defenses, resulting in him being overpowered.
However, the red ribboned man was different. His swordsmanship was wild and reckless, disregarding his own safety. Even though he was suppressing Mu Xuelang, he wasn’t unscathed; there were wounds on his body, and bloodstains on his face. Yet he continued to smile, relentlessly pressing Mu Xuelang to the point where he had nowhere to escape, as if he was burning himself to fuel his offensive.
To put it bluntly:
—He looked like a mad dog.
The usually noisy Qingcheng Sect seats were now eerily quiet.
There were murmurs all around, speculating about who this person was. Hua Yan glanced at the bulletin board, which listed Mu Xuelang’s opponent as “You Weitian from Shishan Sect.”
Not just Hua Yan, but most of the audience had never heard of this Shishan Sect.
As for who You Weitian was, no one knew.
But now, seeing him giving Mu Xuelang, ranked fourth on the Young Heroes List, such a hard time, most people found it hard to believe. This was even more surprising than the time Lu Chengsha thrashed Chu Jun!
At least Lu Chengsha was a well-known young hero from Tingjian Manor. This person seemed to have appeared out of nowhere.
In no time, the name You Weitian spread throughout the venue.
This was the charm of the Sword-seeking Tournament; with the entire martial world gathered here, anyone who showcased exceptional skills could quickly make a name for themselves, even if they were previously unknown hermits.
Hua Yan was stunned.
She turned to ask Lu Chengsha, “Who do you think will win?”
Lu Chengsha replied, “You Weitian.”
“What?” That’s unbelievable! Even Yu Lan, one of the three renowned young heroes comparable to Great Hero Lu, seemed useless!
Involuntarily, Hua Yan turned to look at the Dangshan Sect.
Most of the Dangshan Sect disciples couldn’t hide their smiles. Originally, they had been worried about losing face because their most promising disciple, Chu Jun, didn’t participate. The atmosphere had been gloomy, but seeing one of their greatest rivals being pressured by an unknown competitor was unexpectedly gratifying. If Ling Tianxiao wasn’t sitting right there, several disciples might have burst out laughing.
However, Hua Yan noticed that among the joyous Dangshan disciples, Zuo Jingshuang was the only one with a tense expression. She was clutching her sword tightly, her brow slightly furrowed.
Hua Yan couldn’t help but cover her face, afraid she wouldn’t be able to contain her laughter.
She wanted to rush down and shout three times that her Dangshan and Qingcheng love affair was real! It’s real! It’s truly real!
Mu Xuelang’s defense had been breached by You Weitian, whose offensive showed no sign of stopping.
“Senior Brother, be careful!”
“Senior Brother!”
With continuous exclamations, You Weitian’s nine-ringed broadsword slashed directly onto Mu Xuelang’s right shoulder. Although Mu Xuelang dodged in time, the strike left a deep wound, exposing bone. Blood immediately soaked through Mu Xuelang’s blue robe, splattering on the ground.
Even so, You Weitian’s assault did not cease.
With a smirk on his lips, he continued his attack on Mu Xuelang. Mu Xuelang quickly pressed acupoints on his right shoulder to stop the bleeding and parried You Weitian’s blade, but it was clear he was now at a disadvantage.
You Weitian’s sword repeatedly struck Mu Xuelang’s left arm and right knee. While You Weitian’s red robe concealed much of the damage, Mu Xuelang’s blue robe was visibly stained with blood, the blotches large and startling.
“Inferior to you, I concede,” Mu Xuelang admitted frankly, knowing he was no match.
However, You Weitian showed no intention of letting him off. He raised an eyebrow, the red ribbon on his brow blood-red, his smile slightly sinister. “Isn’t it considered a loss only when you have no strength to resist? Young Hero Mu, conceding like this is no fun.”
Before Mu Xuelang could respond, Qingcheng Sect erupted in protest.
“What do you mean by that? Winning is winning, do you still need to humiliate him?”
“You little brat, don’t get too cocky! Our Senior Brother was just caught off guard…”
“Senior Brother, don’t be intimidated! Fight him!”
“Stop arguing! Where’s the doctor from Cixin Valley? Hurry and stop the bleeding for our Senior Brother! He’s losing blood like crazy, it’s terrifying…”
You Weitian ignored them, continuing his relentless attacks on Mu Xuelang as if he had a deep-seated grudge.
Had Mu Xuelang not been holding back initially, using his swordsmanship more loosely, he wouldn’t have been so quickly overwhelmed. However, it’s an unspoken rule to hold back in disciple battles, though it’s rarely discussed openly. Generally, apart from the Dangshan Sect, disciples from other sects wouldn’t be so unforgiving against Qingcheng Sect.
All these factors combined left Mu Xuelang with no choice but to smile bitterly.
His right arm went numb, and with a clang, his Huaxue Sword fell from his grip, hitting the ground. You Weitian’s nine-ringed broadsword followed suit, forcing Mu Xuelang to roll aside to avoid the blade, looking both pitiful and in pain from his wounds.
You Weitian, however, kept swinging his sword, his smile growing deeper.
At this moment, an elder from the Dangshan Sect finally intervened, jumping in and drawing his sword to block You Weitian, standing between the two fighters.
“Mu Xuelang of Qingcheng Sect is no longer able to resist. The winner of this match is You Weitian of Shishan Sect.”
You Weitian glanced sideways and said, “Boring,” before sheathing his sword and turning away.
Just then, Zuo Jingshuang from the Dangshan Sect suddenly stepped down from her seat and walked quickly into the arena.
Her match was scheduled later, leaving the audience puzzled by her actions.
But Hua Yan understood!
Holding the sword Lu Chengsha had just given her, Hua Yan pounded the ground excitedly, wearing a dreamy smile.
She must be feeling sorry for Big Green Onion Mu!
So she ignored the presence of the many Dangshan Sect disciples and prepared to check on his injuries!
Then, Hua Yan watched in disbelief as Zuo Jingshuang walked quickly to You Weitian. That usually expressionless face suddenly showed a smile, like pear blossoms blooming after the winter snow: “It really is you.”
Hua Yan’s sword also fell to the ground with a clang.
Zuo Jingshuang didn’t even glance at the severely injured Mu Xuelang.
Hua Yan clutched her chest, feeling as if she had been dealt a heavy blow.
It was over.
Her imagined romance between Dangshan and Qingcheng was fake!
***
The doctors from Cixin Valley quickly carried the blood-soaked Mu Xuelang away. No one had expected him to be eliminated in the first round by an unknown fighter.
The Qingcheng Sect disciples who had no matches left followed to the medical pavilion, while the remaining ones glared at You Weitian and Zuo Jingshuang with angry eyes, as if looking at a pair of adulterers.
The two involved seemed oblivious.
You Weitian smiled at Zuo Jingshuang, who was now full of joy, even showing a hint of girlish behavior previously unseen, as if she had become a different person overnight. They walked and talked, disappearing from the edge of the arena.
It seemed she had been worried not about Mu Xuelang but about someone else entirely!
Hua Yan picked up her sword listlessly and poked at the ground.
Perhaps her dejection was too obvious because Lu Chengsha turned to look at her. Hua Yan quickly forced a smile, “It’s nothing, really. Don’t mind me. Is it almost your turn?”
She couldn’t possibly tell Lu Chengsha that she had imagined relationships for the young heroes and heroines and was now facing reality.
So, Lu Chengsha patted her head again.
Hua Yan: “…”
She wondered if Lu Chengsha had become addicted to patting her head.
Oh well.
After all, being patted did make her feel better. Hua Yan thought, curling her lips into a smile.
Lu Chengsha went down to prepare for the disciple battle, and Hua Yan decided to wander around again.
Zuo Jingshuang was already on the stage. While she struggled against Mu Xuelang, she was different with other opponents. Her sword, “Qingshuang,” struck like lightning, a green light flashing back and forth, full of deadly intent.
Dangshan Sect’s martial arts emphasized strength and dominance. With Zuo Jingshuang having the upper hand, she quickly forced her opponent into a retreat, and they soon crumbled.
Having only been practicing for five years, she already possessed such skills, indicating limitless potential. Even Ling Tianxiao’s face showed a slight smile.
Hua Yan swung the sword Lu Chengsha had given her, her wrist turning lightly and her steps nimble. Lu Chengsha had just taught her a set of Dangshan techniques, which weren’t too difficult to learn.
After sparring with Lu Chengsha, she was feeling a bit overconfident!
If not for her lack of inner strength, Hua Yan would have liked to sign up for the competition. With some luck, she might even place in the top few.
Of course, it was just a thought. It was too dangerous.
Just as she thought this, a figure suddenly appeared in front of her.
Dressed in a bright red robe and a red silk ribbon, You Weitian approached, carrying his nine-ringed broadsword. Hua Yan was stunned. It was only when he got closer that she felt there was something familiar about him. She couldn’t quite place it, but it set off alarm bells in her mind.
You Weitian’s expression was a mocking smile. As he passed by Hua Yan, she clearly heard him whisper, “Holy maiden, long time no see.”
A chill ran down Hua Yan’s spine. She immediately grabbed You Weitian, her tone fierce, “Who are you?”
She had just thought it was too dangerous, and now, here was a madman right in front of her!
“It’s normal for the holy maiden not to remember me, but your Master Yu asked me to deliver a message. He said he misses you very much.”
You Weitian seemed to deliberately imitate Yu Ye’s voice and tone, his last words particularly gentle and lingering, which only made it all the more creepy.